A local Japanese aquarium has delightfully responded to a rather self-deprecating social media post concerning a guy "drowning his sorrows" this Christmas Eve. The aquarium, noticing the trending post, artfully curated an online event to humorously address it. This interaction served as a comical, light-hearted episode in an otherwise gloomy festive season and has since become a well-circulated social media phenomenon.

In Japan, Christmas Eve is generally perceived as a day for couples to spend together, more than a family event. Hence, for lonely individuals or those going through a break-up, it can be a distressful time. Instead of ignoring the sentiment of the post, the aquarium chose to address it humorously, making lighthearted what could be a painful topic for many, reflecting the Japanese value of maintaining social harmony by reframing potentially distressing situations.

The response of the Japanese aquarium can be compared to initiatives taken by organizations in the US/EU to raise awareness about mental health and loneliness in a creative and comforting manner. It underscores the global trend of businesses using social media to extend their reach to consumers in more personal and empathetic dimensions.